Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Boy loses mom and gains imaginary friend in emotional drama.
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Why Age 10+?
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Bogus
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
"BOGUS" (Gerard Depardieu) is the charming French imaginary friend who appears to Albert (Haley Joel Osment) after he loses his mother, Lorraine (Nancy Travis), in a car accident. With no father, and friends who all work in a Las Vegas magic show, he's sent to his New Jersey godmother, Harriet (Whoopi Goldberg), Lorraine's childhood foster sister. It soon becomes clear that Harriet hasn't recovered from the losses and damage of her own difficult childhood, which she shared with Lorraine in a foster home. She has heart but it's buried in layers of protective armor, making it difficult for Albert to get the affection and nurturing he needs as he mourns his loss. To cope, Albert, an amateur magician, either conjures -- or is sent -- the make-believe Bogus, a towering, smiling new best pal who dresses like a magician himself in oversized great coat, floppy pants, and brocade vest. Bogus provides the hugs and the shoulder to cry on the mourning boy needs. He's a good influence, advising Albert it's a bad idea to run away, but Albert runs anyway. The movie suggests that not until Harriet allows herself to see the magical Bogus herself and listen to his healing message that she has the breakthrough necessary to be the caring mother and friend Albert needs.
Is It Any Good?
This movie is whimsical, touching, and has a heart of gold, intelligently designed to appeal to both kids and the parents who might want to provide a comforting lap to sit on during the teary parts. Those include a car accident that results in a mother's death, a boy sleepwalking up a dangerously high ladder, and the general sense of loneliness conveyed by the extraordinary and precocious Osment.
Depardieu, who is a versatile and experienced dramatic actor, pours on believable charm as a huge, warm, healing presence. Goldberg is solid as always, drawing on both her sparkling intelligence and a handy inner store of cantankerousness. Note that while Bogus may not be suitable for those actually mourning a loss, it might help kids understand what others in that situation are going through.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why death is so difficult to explain to kids. How do families explain the end of life?
What are some possible ways to comfort kids who lose loved ones?
Do you or someone you know have an imaginary friend? What purposes do imaginary friends serve?
Bogus raises issues about the hardships that befall children of single working parents. How does the movie convey that Lorraine was a loving and responsible parent?
Movie Details
- In theaters: September 6, 1996
- On DVD or streaming: August 11, 2015
- Cast: Whoopi Goldberg , Gerard Depardieu , Haley Joel Osment , Nancy Travis
- Director: Norman Jewison
- Inclusion Information: Female actors, Black actors
- Studio: Universal
- Genre: Drama
- Run time: 110 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: for thematic elements and some mild language
- Last updated: January 11, 2024
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